Early voter turnout robust:Record numbers flock to polls first two days
|
“This is a record for the first two days of early voting,” said Election Administrator Donna Yates of the 428 people who cast their early votes Friday and Saturday. “We usually have good numbers the first day, but not usually this big.”
Yates said she believes the early burst of voters is indicative of the excitement surrounding this year’s races. Voters are taking to the polls to decide 22 out of the county’s 24 county commission spots along with the offices of sheriff, county executive, circuit judge, trustee and register of deeds. Voters are also casting ballots in primaries for the offices of governor, congressman and senator, all races which have no incumbent running. Also in primary are the races for both local seats in the state house.
Despite the large numbers, Yates said voters were able to move quickly through the process.
“We really didn’t have any bad back-ups,” Yates said. “We could have probably processed even more.”
Early voting will continue through July 27 from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.
Early voting is being held behind the administrative office building on Locust Street. Voters are encouraged to park in the back lot of the building so they will be closer to the voting machines.
Those who do not vote early will have their last chance when the polls open around the county Aug. 1 for the general election.